Underscoring the Indian judiciary’s evolving global outlook, Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant has asserted that India’s commitment to justice transcends its geographical boundaries. Speaking to members of the Indian diaspora in Sweden, he highlighted that Indian courts have, in some cases, extended the protection of fundamental rights even to non-resident Indians (NRIs), reinforcing the inclusive reach of constitutional values.
“In some cases, courts have extended the protection of fundamental rights even to those residing abroad, reinforcing the message that India’s commitment to justice does not end at her borders,” Justice Kant said, striking a chord with overseas Indians.
Addressing a gathering that included legal professionals, students, and expatriates, Justice Kant described the Indian judiciary as not merely an adjudicator but also a “moral voice” — one that has historically upheld the rights of the marginalised, safeguarded individual freedoms, and ensured the strength of democratic institutions.
He elaborated that the judiciary, through “principled interventions and landmark judgments,” has upheld values enshrined in the Constitution such as secularism, equality, and dignity. These, he said, form the cornerstone of India’s constitutional identity.
“In a globalised world, where identities often blur and borders become less rigid, it is easy to feel unanchored. Yet, the Indian diaspora has shown the world how one can be truly global while remaining authentically Indian,” he noted, praising the community for its cultural resilience and adaptability.
Justice Kant also reflected on the dynamic nature of identity, emphasizing that it is not solely inherited but is “actively lived and transmitted” across generations. He called on the diaspora to continue embodying Indian values while navigating their global realities.
His remarks come at a time when issues concerning NRIs — including access to legal remedies, property rights, and recognition of overseas marriages — have been gaining greater attention in India’s judicial discourse. Justice Kant’s speech reaffirmed the judiciary’s readiness to adapt to the needs of an increasingly interconnected world.
The event served not only as a reaffirmation of constitutional principles but also as an outreach to global Indians, highlighting that their rights and identities remain deeply connected to the Indian legal and moral fabric, regardless of distance.
